Association For Child And Adolescent Mental Health (acamh)

This episode of 'Mind the Kids - When Sleep & Anxiety Collide' is hosted by Mark Tebbs, who is joined by Liga Eihentale, an early career research scientist at Florida International University, whose work focuses on anxiety, memory, and sleep in peri-adolescence. The conversation centres around Liga’s recent paper titled 'Anxiety severity in peri-adolescents is associated with greater generalization of negative memories following a period of sleep relative to wake" published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.70005). The episode explores how sleep impacts emotional memory consolidation in anxious youth during this sensitive developmental period. Liga highlights key findings, explaining that “sleep plays an active role in shaping how young people perceive and generalize negative experiences, especially in those with higher anxiety.” She further notes, “higher anxiety severity in youth is associated with greater negative memory generalization after sleep, which could help

Welcome to Mind The Kids, hosted by Mark Tebbs. In this episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Charlotte Viktorsson, a behavioural genetics researcher at Uppsala University, to explore the genetic and environmental influences on infant sleep and crying. Drawing on findings from a major study involving nearly 1,000 sets of Swedish twins, they discuss how much of a baby's crying is down to genetics and why sleep quality often depends on home routines and environment. If you're a parent in the thick of sleepless nights or frequent tears, this episode offers both reassurance and fresh insight. Dr. Viktorsson explains why some babies simply cry more than others—even in the best of circumstances—and shares practical advice for supporting your child's wellbeing in those challenging early months. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that brings clarity and comfort to anyone caring for young children. Based on the findings of ‘Genetic and environmental influences on sleep quality, ability to settle, and crying duratio

In this episode of Mind The Kids, host Mark Tebbs speaks with Dr. Lucy Tully and Dr. Simon Rice about the development and impact of "Family Man," an innovative, online, father-inclusive parenting program designed to reduce child conduct problems. Findings can be found in ACAMH’s  Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry – JCPP - ‘An online, father-inclusive parenting intervention for reducing child conduct problems: a randomised controlled trial of family man’ https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14068 Dr. Tully, a senior lecturer and clinical researcher, shares her passion for early intervention in child mental health and her commitment to making evidence-based parenting support accessible. She highlights a key gap in the field: most parenting programs are designed for and tested with mothers, leaving fathers underrepresented and under-engaged. The conversation explores the barriers fathers face in accessing traditional parenting programs—such as cost, work commitments, lack of awareness, and persistent gender s

In this episode of Mind the Kids, ‘Rewilding Childhood: Why Nature Matters in Mental Health’ host Mark Tebbs sits down with Dr. Nicole Harris, educational psychologist and lead author of a major systematic review on nature connectedness in children and young people. Together, they explore why fostering a felt relationship with nature—beyond simply spending time outdoors—can be transformative for learning, behaviour, and wellbeing. Dr. Harris explains that nature connectedness is about developing a meaningful, emotional bond with the natural world—a connection that supports not only cognitive skills like attention, but also social skills and self-regulation. Drawing on theories such as attention restoration, stress reduction, and the emerging polyvagal theory, the conversation unpacks how nature can help calm the nervous system, making children more ready to learn and engage. The discussion highlights practical, low-cost ways schools and communities can nurture nature connectedness, from art projects and gar

In this episode of Mind The Kids, host Mark Tebbs welcomes Professor Kapil Sayal from the University of Nottingham, to explore the landmark STADIA trial, which was published in ACAMH’s Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JCPP) https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14090.  Together, they unravel how standardized diagnostic assessments, like the DAWBA, might shape the journey for children and young people referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Kapil shares his dual perspective as both a professor and an NHS consultant, explaining how the STADIA trial spanned eight NHS sites across England and deeply involved young people and parents with lived experience. The heart of their conversation is the real-world impact of using structured assessment tools in mental health referrals—do they improve diagnosis, access, or outcomes? Listeners will learn how tools like DAWBA could transform clinical decision-making, listen to find what the study found. Families appreciated the validation and feed

Join host Mark Tebbs as he welcomes Dr. Silvia Alemany, a leading researcher in psychiatry and environmental health, for a compelling conversation about the hidden ways our surroundings shape children’s minds.  In this Mind the Kids episode, ‘Is Air Pollution Harming Our Children’s Minds?’ listeners are taken on a journey through the latest research from Catalonia, Spain, where Dr. Alemany and her team explored how air pollution and the presence of green spaces around schools influence children’s emotional and behavioural well-being. This is evidence in the CAMH journal paper (and part of the CAMH Special Issue) ‘Associations between air pollution and surrounding greenness with internalizing and externalizing behaviors among schoolchildren’ Paper - https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12772 CAMH Special Issue - https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12720 Listeners will hear about the broader context of this research, including the global shift in focus from adult respiratory and cardiovascular health to the developing bra

In this episode of Mind The Kids, our host for this series is Mark Tebbs who welcomes Isabel Aks and Professor William Pelham from the University of California, San Diego, for an insightful conversation on “Monitoring versus Knowing: Rethinking the Parent-Child Dynamics.” Drawing on their recent research published in JCPP Advances (https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.70008), the trio explores what parental monitoring really means today—and why it’s much more than just (as Mark's son says) “another name for spying.” Isabel explains how parental monitoring is often misunderstood as snooping, when in reality it’s about the everyday ways parents stay connected to their children’s lives, from casual check-ins to knowing their friends and routines. William, a clinical child psychologist, highlights the delicate balance between keeping kids safe and respecting their growing independence—especially in the digital age, where technology has transformed how parents and teens interact.  Together, they discuss how trust is the

 Join ACAMH Young Person Ambassador Clara Faria as she speaks with Associate Professor Thomas Gargot, a leading expert in technology-driven mental health solutions for children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions. Professor Gargot, winner of the 2024 ACAMH Digital Innovation Award for Best Digital Intervention, delves into his pioneering research on using electronic tablets and robotics to support children with writing difficulties, such as dysgraphia, and explores the crucial connections between handwriting, learning, and cognitive development.  This episode unpacks innovative digital interventions—including rehabilitative robotic companions and scalable handwriting assessment apps—collaborative efforts between academia and startups, and the challenges and opportunities of implementing tech-based re-education tools in real-world settings. Discover how modern technology is transforming support for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, and what the future holds for evid

In this Mind The Kids podcast junior doctor Clara Faria brings listeners into the heart of child and adolescent mental health care. In this episode, Clara welcomes Dr. Robyn McCarron, consultant psychiatrist at Cambridge’s Darwin Centre, for a candid conversation about the realities and challenges of inpatient care for young people. Trigger warning: Sensitive topics such as restrictive practices, eating disorders, and trauma are discussed. Listener discretion is advised. Robyn shares her journey revealing how her experiences shaped her belief that traditional models often fall short for the most complex and vulnerable patients. She describes the inpatient ward as a place where young people arrive carrying not just medical diagnoses, but also deep histories of trauma, developmental struggles, and social adversity. Robyn’s approach is rooted in values—respect, safety, and discovery—always striving to minimize harm and empower young people to participate in their own care. The episode explores the delicate ba

Welcome to Mind the Kids, the podcast where we dive into the journeys, innovations, and global perspectives shaping child and adolescent mental health. Your host is Clara Faria, an academic clinical fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Cambridge. In this special episode, Clars talks to Professor Andrés Martin, Riva Riella Ritvo Professor at the Yale Child Study Center, and Medical Director of Yale’s Children’s Psychiatric Inpatient Service. Professor Martin is a renowned leader in child and adolescent psychiatry, celebrated for his contributions to medical education, mentorship, and global mental health initiatives. Together, they explore Professor Martin’s inspiring path from medical school in Mexico to leadership at Yale, the transformative power of mentorship and community, and the enduring legacy of Professor Donald Cohen. They discuss the importance of nurturing the next generation of clinician-academics, the balance between research and clinical work, and how qualitative rese

Welcome to Mind the Kids, the podcast where we explore global innovations and stories in youth mental health. Your host is Clara Faria, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in training and research scientist at the University of Cambridge. In this episode, Clara sits down with Tom Osborn—community mobilizer, entrepreneur, research scientist, and founder of the Shamiri Institute in Kenya. Tom shares his inspiring journey from rural Kenya to Harvard, and how his passion for community-driven change led him to pioneer scalable, evidence-based mental health interventions for young people in low-resource settings. We dive into the origins of the Shamiri Institute, the power of peer-to-peer support, and the lessons learned from adapting community health worker models to mental health care. Tom also discusses the unique challenges facing youth in Kenya, the importance of South-South collaboration, and why building on local strengths is key to sustainable impact. If you’re passionate about mental health, innovation,

Step into the world of youth mental health with Mind the Kids. In this episode, host Clara Faria welcomes Professor Giovanni Salum, Senior Vice President of Global Programs at the Child Mind Institute and Associate Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.  Together, they explore the groundbreaking Brazilian High Risk Cohort Study, which has shaped our understanding of child development and mental health in Brazil for over 15 years. Professor Salum shares key findings—like the staggering fact that 80% of children diagnosed with mental health conditions in Brazil do not receive treatment—and discusses how poverty and positive traits shape outcomes for young people. The conversation moves beyond research, delving into Salum’s transition from academia to public health leadership, the challenges of delivering care in a vast country, and the importance of community engagement, capacity building, and global collaboration.  Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on bridging the gap between rese

How can we make mental health support more accessible and effective for children and adolescents? In this episode of Mind the Kids, host Clara Faria sits down with Professor Maria Loades to explore the promise of single session interventions—a cutting-edge approach designed to deliver immediate, evidence-based help in just one session. Is it really a case of ‘One and done?’. Together, they unpack the barriers that keep many young people from seeking support, from stigma to logistical hurdles, and discuss how culturally sensitive, age-appropriate, and trustworthy resources can break down these walls. The conversation highlights the importance of listening to young people's voices in shaping mental health services, the need for thoughtful consent processes for those under 16, and the potential for digital, on-demand interventions to serve as both a first step and a bridge to further care.  Whether you're a practitioner, parent, or advocate, this episode offers fresh insights into how single session interventi

In this enlightening episode of Mind the Kids, our host Clara Faria, an ACAMH Young Person Ambassador, is joined by Professor Amit Baumel, Associate Professor at the University of Haifa and winner of the 2024 ACAMH Digital Innovation Award.  Together, they explore how digital mental health interventions can be designed to truly make a difference—particularly for parents, children, and underserved populations. From “therapeutic persuasiveness” to scalable solutions and AI-powered mental health tools, this conversation blends psychological science, human-centred tech design, and meaningful clinical insight.  A must-listen for professionals, researchers, and anyone curious about the future of mental health support.

Welcome to the Mind the Kids podcast, and welcome to Clara Faria our host for this series. Mind the Kids is your go-to series for inspiring conversations and expert insights into the mental health of children and young people around the globe. Each episode dives into the latest research, real-world experiences, and practical strategies for supporting young minds. In Clara’s first episode, ‘Mental Health and Exercise’ we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Nicolas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa and a passionate science communicator. Together, they explore the powerful connection between exercise and mental health—discussing how physical activity can help prevent and manage depression, anxiety, and more.  They also tackle the common divide between physical and mental health, and why it’s time to treat them as deeply interconnected aspects of well-being. Whether you’re a parent, educator, clinician, or just curious about mental health, this episode offers valuable takeaways and evidence-ba

Welcome to Mind the Kids, the podcast where research meets real-world practice in child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmour, Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Child Development Programme Director at UCL, and Professor Umar Toseeb, expert in child and adolescent mental health and special educational needs, each episode dives into the latest topics from the research literature. Join us as we engage with leading authors and sift through the data, dilemmas, and debates—leaving you with practical takeaways for both academics and practitioners. In this episode, “Only the Lonely”, Jane and Umar talk to Professor Roz Shafran, Emeritus Professor of Population, Policy & Practice. Population, Policy & Practice Dept. UCL GOS Institute of Child Health.  They discuss the complexities of loneliness, covering definitions of loneliness, its heterogeneous nature, risk factors, the importance of screening, and potential interventions. The conversation emphasises the need for a nuanced

This episode of the "Mind the Kids" podcast, titled "Anxiety and Paranoia: What Lies Beneath?", features hosts Dr. Jane Gilmour and Prof. Umar Toseeb in conversation with Dr. Jessica Kingston. The discussion unpacks the complexities of paranoia and social anxiety during adolescence, examining how these experiences manifest, their definitions, and what they mean for child development and emotional well-being.  The episode explores the prevalence of paranoid thoughts among young people, the difference between typical worries and clinical concerns, and the impact of lived experiences on the development of paranoid beliefs. Listeners will gain insights into the adaptive aspects of paranoia, the importance of mental health literacy, and why adolescence is such a critical time for developing social relationships. The conversation also highlights the need for parents and educators to recognize signs of distress, normalize intense emotions, and support youth as they navigate mental health challenges.  This episode

This episode is called 'Reading between the lines' and is part of the "Mind the Kids" podcast series, produced by the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH). Hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmour and Prof. Umar Toseeb, with guest Dr. Germán Grande, the discussion explores how the home literacy environment shapes children’s reading development and long-term outcomes. The conversation highlights the importance of parental involvement, the interplay between genetics and environmental factors, and how early literacy experiences can influence educational success.  Listeners will gain insights into the roles of family, culture, and schools in fostering reading skills, and discover practical ways to support children’s literacy from early childhood onwards. This episode is ideal for parents, educators, and anyone interested in child development, education, and mental health, offering evidence-based advice and expert perspectives on building strong foundations for children’s futures

We’re excited to share the latest episode of Mind the Kids, hosted by Dr. Jane Gilmour (UCL) and Professor Umar Toseeb (University of York). This episode dives into the complex relationship between parenting styles and infant characteristics, exploring whether their influences on child development are simply additive-or something more nuanced. Joined by special guest Dr. Robert Eves (Bielefeld University), we discuss groundbreaking research using large, nationally representative datasets to unpack how parenting and child traits interact. We also break down key theoretical models-like diathesis-stress, vantage sensitivity, and differential susceptibility-in accessible language, with practical takeaways for parents, practitioners, and researchers alike.  Whether you’re a parent, academic, or professional in child development, tune in for evidence-based insights and a thoughtful discussion on what really shapes children’s outcomes.

What happens when friendships become the cornerstone of childhood mental health? In this episode of Mind the Kids – Mental Health: Best mates and Classmates, Dr. Jane Gilmour and Professor Umar Toseeb, joined by Dr. Tom Wu, unravel the powerful connections between peer relationships and emotional wellbeing in young people. From the playground to the classroom, the trio explores how friendships evolve, why quality matters more than quantity, and how popularity can shape – or sometimes complicate – the social landscape. They discuss the complex, two-way relationship between mental health and friendships, revealing how emotional struggles can make it harder to connect, while strong friendships can buffer against adversity. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in friendship dynamics and why interventions that put mental health first can lead to better social outcomes. With practical insights for educators and a call for emotional literacy programs in schools, thi